Around South County: Connection grows between students and seniors

Photos of people, places and events featured in the "Around South County" column

Jerri Anne Hopkins, Correspondent

Kin-nect, is a community-based non-profit devoted to remembering senior citizens in care facilities and nursing homes.

This year, Kin-nect "adopted" the South River Health & Rehabilitation Center in Edgewater. In February, they brought the center together with a group of students from Edgewater Elementary School's English Language Learning class to make Valentine's Day cards.

The students and residents had so much fun that they asked to do it again. So they gathered on March 30 to decorate Easter eggs and make simple Easter baskets. Only this time the number of students eager to participate more than doubled.

"It's exciting that we've been welcomed back," Edgewater Principal Kellie Schell-Ramey said. "The children really enjoyed the first event. They talked about it for days."

Mary Kay Robertson, founder of Kin-nect, said students were excited by the first visit and wanted to do something for Easter.

Teacher Cheryl Menke came up with idea of dying eggs. Tersheia Wiseman, director of activities at the center, added the idea of making Easter baskets from paper plates.

"We think having the kids from the ELL class helps them learn about giving back and also to learn about the different holidays we celebrate in America," Robertson said. "Many of the students do not have grandparents who live in the U.S., so they very much enjoy spending time with the residents."

The level of laughter during the Easter egg event was greatly increased from Valentine's Day, and not just because there were more children. Kids at the first event became leaders for the other students.

Interaction between the residents, staff, volunteers and the kids was more relaxed. And there was an increase in the number of creative ideas for the decorations.

Jim Miller, president of the Board of Directors at Kin-nect, presented a check to Wiseman for the supplies for Valentine's Day and Easter and to help other activities.

Kin-nect and the school are already planning a new event in May. They will be making paper flowers and planting seeds for the center's landscape.

Join the Shady Side Theatre at Centenary United Methodist Church, 6248 Shady Side Road in Shady Side, as a vibrant cast of children, youth and adults sing and dance their way through the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the musical "Godspell."

Through comedy, play and song, experience Jesus forming a group of disciples and preparing them to bring his message of love and the Kingdom of God to all people.

Show times are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a show at 7:15 p.m. for $20. A special matinee with snacks will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday for $15.

The Rev. Kyle Durbin, pastor at Centenary, was the artistic director of Cornerstone Theatre in Davidsonville for seven years. He produced more than 15 plays, musicals,and original comedies, including "Disney's Tarzan" last year.

This is his second theatrical production at Centenary, where Shady Side Theatre has now been established to offer performance opportunities for local youth and young adults.

•Stop by the South County Chamber of Commerce office at 5503 Muddy Creek Road just up the street to drop off papers and documents for shredding and disposal. The Shred It fee is $5 a box. Then head over to Christopher's to join the fun.

Davidsonville United Methodist Church will host the 19th annual Fairways of Faith Golf Tournament on Monday at the Golf Club at South River in Edgewater.

All are welcome and church teams will compete for the Carpenter's Cup, symbol of Southern Maryland golf supremacy. The tournament supports Davidsonville United Methodist Church's Youth Service Project ministry, which uses a Christian approach to respond to the housing needs of economically and physically disadvantaged people.

In June, the church will send more than 30 young people and adults to North Carolina to help repair homes damaged from recent hurricanes and floods.

The Jug Bay 5K is a run/walk event in Lothian benefiting the South County Faith Network. This year's event at 9 a.m. May 2

Runners and walkers go through the sanctuary, with the start/finish line at Sollers United Methodist Church, 1219 Wrighton Road in Lothian

Early registration by mail ends Friday. Entry fees: Adults, $20; Students under 18, $5. On race day from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m., fees go up to $25 for adults and $10 for the under 18 crowd.

All runners will be timed with results reported by name, age group and gender. There will be 1st place prizes for male and female runners in several age categories: 17 and under, 18 to 35, 36 to 45, 46 to 55, 56 and above. The first 100 registrants get a free T-shirt. Parking is free.

For additional information or questions about the event, call 410-867-1128, email socofaith@gmail.com or visit the run website, http://www.jugbay5k.com.